Susceptibility of West African Dwarf goats and WAD x Saanen crosses to experimental infection with Trypanosoma congolense

West African Dwarf goats (WADs) and their Saanen crosses were experimentally infected with Trypanosoma congolense. No significant differences were found between trypanosome parasitaemia and antibody response of the crossbred and WAD goats. Neither the WAD goats nor the Saanen crosses were able to control the drop in PCV following trypanosome infection. The level of anaemia caused by the trypanosome infection was similar in the two breeds during the trial. Based on these findings, no difference in tolerance or susceptibility to T. congolense could be demonstrated between the WAD goats and their Saanen crosses. Although the weight of all goats increased during the trial, the crosses gained significantly more weight than the WAD goats. The trypanosome infection reduced the growth rate of both breeds, but this reduction was not statistically significant. Crossbreeding trypanotolerant WADs with trypanosusceptible Saanen goats might, therefore, be an effective means of increasing productivity.     

Haematological and serum biochemical parameters of West African Dwarf goats fed dried cassava leaves-based concentrate diets

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding different levels of dried cassava leaves at 0%, 20%, 40% and 60%, respectively, using guinea grass as basal feed, on the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. The study lasted for 116 days during which haematological and serum biochemical parameters were monitored in 40 male goats before and after, using a completely randomized design. At the start of the experiment, packed cell volume (PCV) ranged from 21.5% to 25.5% while haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and RBC significantly (P < 0.01) ranged from 7.3 to 8.6 g/dl and 10.4 to 13.2 × 10¹²/l, respectively. White blood cells reduced significantly (P < 0.05)) from 16.4 to 11.7 × 10⁹/l) as dried cassava leaves increased in the diets. At the end of the trial, there was a slight increase in the values of PCV and Hb in the diets (P > 0.05). Lymphocyte reduced significantly (P < 0.05) from 50.0% to 63.5% in the diets. Neutrophils, however, increased (P > 0.05) at the 0% to 40% levels and reduced at the 60% level of dried cassava leaves inclusion. At the start of the experiment, values for glucose significantly (P < 0.05) ranged from 40.1 to 56.0 mg/dl. Total protein and albumin values ranged significantly (P < 0.05) from 56.0 to 68.5 g/dl and 30.6 to 38.4 g/dl, respectively. At the end of the experiment, serum creatinine increased significantly (P < 0.05) as the level of dried cassava leaves increased from 0% to 60% in the diets. The study revealed that inclusion of dried cassava leaves in the diets of West African Dwarf goats had no deleterious effects on the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of WAD goats and could therefore be included in ruminant diets up to 60%.     

Growth performance,carcass characteristics and meat sensory evaluation of West African dwarf sheep fed varying levels of maize and cassava hay

A study was conducted to determine the growth performance and meat yield and quality of West African dwarf sheep. Twenty rams weighing an average of 15.3 ± 0.79 kg live weight and with an average age of 18 months were allotted at random to five dietary treatments of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% maize hay (MH) for a period of 105 days. Dry matter (DM) intake and growth rate of the rams were improved as the level of cassava hay (CH) increased in the diets. Live weight gain varied significantly (P < 0.05) across the treatments, ranging from 38.8 to 47.9 g/day. The carcass weight of the rams fed 100% MH was significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared with the other treatments. Dressing percentage ranged from 56.5% to 61.0% with no significant (P > 0.05) difference observed across the treatments, while the distribution of the slaughtered parts was similar (P > 0.05) regardless of the dietary treatment. Proximate composition of the meat from the loin indicated that the DM, crude protein, fat and ash contents were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the dietary treatments. Panellists rated the meat to be similar (P > 0.05) in flavour, juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptability while colour and texture varied significantly (P < 0.05) across the treatments. In conclusion, this study indicated that better growth performance and meat production in West African dwarf sheep can be improved in form of body weight and carcass production when fed 25%MH and 75% CH diet.     

Physiological adaptation to the humid tropics with special reference to the West African Dwarf (WAD) goat

West African Dwarf (WAD) goats are widely distributed in the subhumid and humid zones of Africa but are particularly associated with less favourable environments. Adaptive features such as feeding behaviour, efficiency of feed use and disease tolerance enable WAD goats to thrive on natural resources left untouched by other domestic ruminants. In marginal environments this goat remains the only domestic species that is able to survive. Among its physiological features small body size and low metabolic requirements are important traits that enable the animal to minimize its requirements in area or season where food sources are limited in quality and quantity. Specialized feeding behaviour and an efficient digestive system enable the animal to maximize food intake. Coat colour plays an important role in the evolved adaptation of this goat type. Reproductive fitness as manifested by prolific breeding is a major factor of adaptation. Defence mechanisms against infectious agents enable this type to thrive well in the hot humid tropics. The mechanisms involved in the regulation of these physiological functions of WAD goat are discussed. An understanding of these mechanisms could result in the development of improved techniques for enhancing goat productivity in humid environments.     

Genetic and non-genetic factors influencing the performance of the West African Dwarf (WAD) goat kept at the Kintampo Goat Breeding Station of Ghana

Tropical Animal Health and Production - A study was conducted to analyze the effect of genetic and non-genetic factors influencing the growth performance of the West African Dwarf goat. Breed...     

Village production of West African Dwarf goats and sheep in Nigeria

Results from a 41 month study of West African Dwarf goats and sheep under village conditions in south-west Nigeria are reported. Even at a very low level of management these trypanosomiasis-tolerant animals produced 2.01 kids or 1.51 lambs per dam per year. Mortality of young particularly kids and low growth rates limit production. Of these mortality is probably the first constraint to increased productivity and profitability. Control of peste des petits ruminants appears to significantly reduce mortality and should stimulate the further development of this production system.     

Comparative multivariate analysis of biometric traits of West African Dwarf and Red Sokoto goats

The population structure of 302 randomly selected West African Dwarf (WAD) and Red Sokoto (RS) goats was examined using multivariate morphometric analyses. This was to make the case for conservation, rational management and genetic improvement of these two most important Nigerian goat breeds. Fifteen morphometric measurements were made on each individual animal. RS goats were superior (P < 0.05) to the WAD for the body size and skeletal proportions investigated. The phenotypic variability between the two breeds was revealed by their mutual responses in the principal components. While four principal components were extracted for WAD goats, three components were obtained for their RS counterparts with variation in the loading traits of each component for each breed. The Mahalanobis distance of 72.28 indicated a high degree of spatial racial separation in morphology between the genotypes. The Ward’s option of the cluster analysis consolidated the morphometric distinctness of the two breeds. Application of selective breeding to genetic improvement would benefit from the detected phenotypic differentiation. Other implications for management and conservation of the goats are highlighted.     

Prevalence of mange among West African Dwarf sheep and goats and associated haematological and biochemical parameters

This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of mange in sheep and goats in five local government areas (LGAs) of Ogun State in South Western Nigeria. A total of 4,973 sheep and 7,902 goats of West African Dwarf breeds were sampled of which only 4 (0.08%) of sheep and 42 (0.53%) of goats were confirmed positive for mange infestation. In all the LGAs sampled, Odeda LGA had the highest concentration of sheep (39%) and goats (51%) while Abeokuta South had the least percentage of sheep (1%) and goats (1%). All the mange-infested cases in sheep were recorded in just one LGA (Ewekoro) which constituted 0.24% of the population within the location. For goats, three out of five LGAs namely: Obafemi Owode, Ewekoro and Abeokuta North had prevalence of 1.46%, 0.53% and 0.72% respectively. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference between non-infested and infested animals in terms of packed cell volume (31.79 ± 0.87% vs. 31.41 ± 1.13%), haemoglobin (10.51 ± 0.21 g/100 ml vs. 10.28 ± 0.37 g/100 ml) and red blood cells (8.71 ± 0.29 × 10(12)/l vs. 9.40 ± 0.37 × 10(12)/l). The infested group however showed significantly (P < 0.01) higher white blood cells count (7.60 ± 0.22 × 10(9)/l) than the non-infested animals (6.81 ± 0.17 × 10(9)/l). Neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil and monocyte as well as chloride were not significantly affected by the health status of the animals. There existed significant (P < 0.01) difference between non-infested and infested animals in terms of total protein (5.42 ± 0.16 vs. 4.75 ± 0.20 g/dl), sodium (137.98 ± 1.53 vs. 128.92 ± 1.92 mEq/l) and potassium (4.04 ± 0.14 vs. 3.46 ± 0.18 mEq/l). It can be concluded from this study that the prevalence of mange mite infestation varied with location and was generally low or absent in some of the LGAs considered. Goats were particularly more susceptible to mange infestation than sheep. More concerted effort is needed to control mange in order to avoid spread since it is a contagious disease.     

Feeding potential of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) peels ensiled with Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium assessed with West African dwarf goats

Cassava peels (CaPe) were ensiled in mixtures with Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena leucocephala, and the utilization of the mixed silages by West African dwarf (WAD) goats was assessed. Five silages were composed, comprising of 100 % ensiled CaPe (control), CaPe?+?G. sepium 2:1 (w/w; 2CGS), CaPe?+?G. sepium 1:1 (w/w; CGS), CaPe?+?L. leucocephala 2:1 (w/w; 2CLL) and CaPe?+?L. leucocephala 1:1 (w/w; CLL). All diets were supplemented with molasses (40 g/kg) before ensiling which lasted 3 months. Fifteen WAD goats (8.01?±?0.12 kg body weight) were fed one of the experimental diets (50 g/kg body weight) for 8 weeks. The control had the lowest hydrocyanic acid content (0.05 mg/kg DM), while others ranged from 6.2 to 81.3 mg/kg. Condensed tannin concentration ranged from 1.7 to 8.4 mg/kg DM, while mimosine levels were 11.6 and 12.4 mg/kg DM in 2CLL and CLL, respectively. After fermentation, all silages showed low pH (<4.5) and were different (P?<?0.05) in the lactic, acetic and butyric acid concentrations. Ratio of foliage supplementation influenced DM intake (P?<?0.05). Daily weight gains ranged from 17 (CLL) to 24 g/day in control. The digestibility coefficients of nutrients and fibre fractions differed (P?<?0.05) among diets. The values for packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes were also different (P?<?0.05) across the dietary treatments. Ensiling CaPe with foliages of G. sepium and L. leucocephala can be recommended for feeding WAD goats especially during the dry spells when there is little or no available forage for the animals.     

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing ram lambs fed sweet sorghum bagasse-based complete rations varying in roughage-to-concentrate ratios

Different roughage-to-concentrate ratios of sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB) (a by-product of the biofuel industry)-based complete diets were assessed. Twenty four growing Nellore × Deccani ram lambs aged about 3 months (average body wt., 10.62?±?0.25 kg) were randomly allotted to four complete rations (CR) varying in roughage-to-concentrate ratios viz. 60:40 (CR-I), 50:50 (CR-II), 40:60 (CR-III) and 30:70(CR-IV) for a period of 180 days. The feed intake was comparable among the lambs fed different experimental complete diets. Average daily weight gain (in grams) was 77.31?±?4.90, 81.76?±?5.16, 85.83?±?2.83 and 86.30?±?3.25, and feed conversion ratio (in kilograms of feed per kilogram gain) averaged 11.42?±?0.68, 10.57?±?0.64, 10.17?±?0.37 and 9.96?±?0.38 in ram lambs fed CR-I, CR-II, CR-III and CR-IV rations, respectively. Statistically, differences in daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio among the lambs fed four experimental rations were not significant (P?>?0.05). The cost per kilogram gain was significantly (P?<?0.01) higher in ram lambs fed CR-IV and CR-III rations compared to CR-I ration, and it was comparable between CR-I and CR-II rations. Dressing percentage averaged 44.90?±?0.15, 42.57?±?0.72, 43.67?±?0.16 and 44.42?±?0.76 for the respective diets. No significant difference and trend was observed in preslaughter weight, empty body weight, carcass weights, dressing percentage, wholesale cuts and edible and non-edible portions of experimental animals. Similarly, no significant variation could be seen in bone and meat yield (in per cent) and their ratios in various wholesale cuts among the dietary treatments. The roughage-to-concentrate ratio did not affect the chemical composition of meat; however, the fat content of meat was linearly increased with increase in the proportion of concentrate in the diets. The results of the experiment indicated that SSB can be included at 60 % level in the complete diet for economical mutton production from growing Nellore × Deccani ram lambs.     

Growth and calcium metabolism in horses fed varying levels of protein

The effect of level of protein intake on growth and calcium metabolism was studied in 24 foals. Starting at four months old, the foals were fed one of three diets containing all nutrients, with the exception of protein, at levels recommended by the United States National Research Council Subcommittee on Horse Nutrition for a 12 month period. The protein levels in the three diets were 9 per cent (low protein) 14 per cent (NRC recommended level) and 20 per cent (high protein). The foals fed the low protein diet were changed to the high protein diet after 140 days when they were nine months old. There were no significant differences in the rates of growth in weight, height, cannon circumference or in hoof growth and feed utilisation of the horses fed the 14 or the 20 per cent protein diets. However, growth, feed intake and feed utilisation by the foals fed the low (9 per cent) protein diet were significantly depressed. The average daily gains for the first 140 days for the 9, 14 and 20 per cent protein treatment groups were 64, 631 and 687 g in weight, 0.57, 0.83 and 0.87 mm in height and 0.04, 0.13 and 0.14 m in forecannon circumference, respectively. The average daily feed intakes for the 140 day period for the three groups were 2.7, 4.4 and 4.7 kg, respectively. After the change to the high protein diet the foals that had been fed the low protein diet maintained a higher rate of gain in bodyweight, height and cannon circumference, and utilised feed more efficiently than the other two groups throughout the second 140 days of the experiment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The effect of T. vivax infection in West African Dwarf goats on energy and nitrogen metabolism

Summary

To investigate how T. vivax affects metabolism in dwarf goats, nine wethers (infection group) given alfalfa pellets ad libitum were infected intravenously and food intake was recorded up to 49 days after infection in the infection group and in the control group (n=9). Controls received the same diet, ad libitum before infection and in restricted amounts after infection in order to obtain similar intakes in the two groups. Digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) and nitrogen balance (NB) were determined during four balance trials. All animals were bled regularly to measure parasitaemia, packed cell volume (PCV) and a number of serum metabolites.

All infected animals showed symptoms typical for T. vivax infection as judged by parasitaemia, PCV and rectal temperature. Infection had a non‐uniform negative effect on food intake. Compared with controls at equal DOMI, NB was lower in infected animals, the difference being significant 4 weeks after infection. This was caused by a gradual increase in NB at equal DOMI of the control group. The NB of the ad libitum fed infected animals 2 and 4 weeks after infection was comparable to values normally found in healthy ad libitum fed dwarf goats with an equal DOMI.

NEFA values in serum were significantly elevated after infection. Except for two infected animals with an extremely low food intake towards the end of the experiment, no rise in serum ketone bodies was evident. After infection, serum protein increased, differences with controls being significant 4 and 7 weeks after infection.

It is concluded that T. vivax infection results in a decrease in energy intake and a decrease in NB up to at least 4 weeks after infection. At equal DOMI, NB of infected animals was not lower than expected for ad libitum fed healthy animals but was lower than in healthy controls on a restricted diet, probably as a result of a decrease in maintenance requirements of the latter. The data on NB and serum NEFA concentrations suggest that non‐protein energy sources are used to supply the increased energy demand as a result of infection.     

Effects of supplementing herbaceous forage legume pellets on growth indices and blood profile of West African dwarf sheep fed Guinea grass

Twenty West African dwarf (WAD) rams with average body weight of 12.43?±?0.5 kg were used for the experiment that lasted 84 days to investigate the effects of supplementing herbaceous forage legume pellets on weight change and blood profile of animals fed Panicum maximum basal diet. Sole Panicum maximum served as the control diet and three other experimental diets were P. maximum supplemented with Lablab purpureus pellets, P. maximum supplemented with Calopogonium mucunoides pellets and P. maximum supplemented with Mucuna pruriens pellets constituted the four treatments which were arranged in a completely randomised design. The rams were divided into four groups of five animals each and were balanced for variation in live weight before they were assigned the experimental diets. Panicum maximum was offered to the animals ad libitum and legume pellets were supplemented. Significant differences (P?< 0.05) were observed in weight gain of the rams. Those fed the control diet had the lowest value of 41.88 g/day while rams supplemented L. purpureus pellets had the highest value (83.66 g/day). Haematological parameters, leucocyte values and serum biochemical indices of WAD rams were significantly (P?< 0.05) different across the dietary treatments at the final stage of the trial. The values for red blood cells, haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin decreased slightly in rams supplemented with M. pruriens pellets. Reduction of serum biochemical parameters was also noticed in rams supplemented with M. pruriens pellets. It can be concluded that L. purpureus pellets ranked the best among the herbaceous legume pellets as supplemental feed for West African dwarf sheep resulting in higher weight gain and better feed conversion efficiency with no deleterious effect on blood profile.

     

Effect of Ctenocephalides felis strongylus infestation on the performance of West African dwarf sheep and goats

Summary

A study of Ctenocephalides fells strongylus and of its effect on the performance of sheep and goats was made.

Fleas showed more affinity for sheep than goats. There was a high concentration between lamb and kid mortality and the degree of flea infestation. The clinical effects of flea infestation are highlighted. The factors responsible for flea infestation and its control are discussed.     

Leucaena and dried poultry waste improve the performance of West African Dwarf sheep on a grass diet

This study investigated the effects on digestibility and growth when West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep were fed a basal diet of Tripsacum laxum with Leucaena leucocephala or dried poultry waste as supplement. Fifteen WAD sheep (12 rams and 3 ewes) were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments of 5 animals each, namely T1—basal diet of chopped T. laxum (control), T2—basal diet plus dried poultry waste, and T3—basal diet plus L. leucocephala. Animals had access to drinking water and a mineral mix ad libitum. They were weighed weekly after a 2-week adaptation period, for a duration of 12 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, three rams randomly selected from each treatment group were used for the digestibility study. Results revealed that average daily intake of L. leucocephala (350.0?±?0.3 g/animal) was higher than that of dried poultry waste (260.0?±?0.1 g/animal). The supplemented groups, T2 and T3, gained 21.4 and 31.0 g daily respectively, while animals of the control group (T1) lost 6.0 g daily. There was a significant difference (P?<?0.01) in dry matter intake between the control and supplemented groups, with T2 recording the highest intake. Organic matter intake of treatment 3 was significantly (P?<?0.01) higher than that of T1 and T2. The differences in crude fibre (CF) ingestion between T2 and T1 as well as T3 and T1 were significant (P?<?0.01), with the highest ingestion of CF occurring in T1. The dry matter digestibility of the supplemented groups was significantly higher (P?<?0.05) than that of the control. The organic matter digestibility of T2 and T3, as well as T1 and T3 were significantly different (P?<?0.05), being highest in T3 (77.0?±?2.1 %) and lowest in T2 (58.1?±?1.0 %) It was concluded from the study that T. laxum can be better utilized in West African Dwarf sheep when supplemented with dried poultry waste or L. leucocephala.     

Growth, reproductive performance, and manganese status of heifers fed varying concentrations of manganese

An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of dietary Mn on growth, reproductive performance, and Mn status of beef heifers. Eighty Angus (n = 40) and Simmental (n = 40) heifers, averaging 249 kg, were stratified by BW within a breed and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments providing 0 (control), 10, 30, or 50 mg of supplemental Mn/kg of DM from MnSO(4). Heifers were individually fed a diet containing cottonseed hulls, corn gluten feed, citrus pulp, and ground corn, and the control diet contained 15.8 mg of Mn/kg of DM by analysis. Average daily gain, DMI, and G:F for the 196-d period were not affected by Mn supplementation. Control heifers had reduced (P = 0.04) liver Mn when contrasted with the 3 levels of supplemental Mn. Serum cholesterol was greater (P = 0.001) in Angus compared with Simmental heifers over the course of the 196-d experiment but was not affected by treatment. Dietary Mn did not significantly affect measures of reproductive performance. Results of this study indicate that 15.8 mg of Mn/kg of diet DM should be adequate for growth, onset of estrus, and conception of beef heifers.     

Birth weight,birth type and pre-weaning survivability of West African Dwarf goats raised in the Dangme West District of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

A study was conducted on 441 West African Dwarf goat (WADG) kids born from September 1999 to August 2002 at three locations in the Dangme West District of the Greater Accra Region in Ghana to determine the effect of environmental factors on birth weight, birth type and pre-weaning survivability. The overall mean birth weight was 1.32 ± 0.01 kg. Birth weights were similar (p >0.05) between single births (1.43 ± 0.04 kg) and twins (1.34 ± 0.03 kg), but singles were significantly heavier (p < 0.05) than triplets (1.24 ± 0.05 kg). Kids born in the major wet season recorded the best mean birth weight (1.37 ± 0.04 kg). Sex, parity of does, and year of birth of kids had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on birth weight. Mean litter size was 1.93 ± 0.03. Does that kidded in the dry season had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher litter size (2.05 ± 0.06) than those that kidded in the minor wet season (1.80 ± 0.10). Litter size of first-parity kids was significantly smaller (p < 0.05) than in subsequent parities. Litter size dropped significantly (p < 0.05) from year 2 (2.03 ± 0.07) to year 3 (1.83 ± 0.07). Pre-weaning survivability was 79.1% and season of kidding had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on survivability. Survivability of quadruplets (61.8%) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than in the other birth types.     

Naturally occurring variability in some phenotypic markers and correlates of haemonchotolerance in West African Dwarf goats in a subhumid zone of Nigeria

West African Dwarf (WAD) goats of the Nigerian subhumid zone generally show strong resistance and resilience to Haemonchus contortus in laboratory experiments, although a relatively small proportion are susceptible to infection. Little is known about these extremes of response phenotype in nature. Therefore, a survey was carried out of gastrointestinal nematode infections in WAD goats, with emphasis on abomasal worms, at three goat markets in Southern Nigeria during the rainy season. Faecal samples (n=1070) were collected weekly from goats between April and September, and 352 abomasa and small intestines from local abattoirs were examined. Total strongyle (prevalence=65.0%) and H. contortus (prevalence=64.3%) faecal egg counts (FEC) varied between the three markets, being highest throughout at Opi. FEC increased from April to peak in August. Based on raw FEC, 76.1% of goats had FEC of <100, and 4.7%>500. Adjustment of these figures for monthly and between-market differences, gave figures of 78.8 and 3.4%, respectively. H. contortus worm burdens (WB) showed a similar pattern with 67.9% of goats harbouring <200 worms and 8.2% >1000, and after adjustment 69.6 and 6.0%, respectively. Fecundity, based on eggs in the uterus, did not vary between markets or monthly, but fell with increasing WB. Trichostrongylus colubriformis was less frequent (prevalence=42.4%) but goats from Opi also carried higher WB, and worms were similarly highly aggregated in hosts. When the between-market and monthly differences for both species were controlled, a highly significant positive correlation between the species emerged. Therefore, although a small subset of goats, highly susceptible to H. contortus, exists in this breed, the majority show resistance under field conditions and the resistant phenotype is also resistant to T. colubriformis. Both species are highly aggregated in the susceptible subset of the population. While, we cannot yet exclude alternative explanations, our data are compatible with a strong genetic basis for this phenomenon.     

Susceptibility of trypanotolerant West African Dwarf goats and F1 crosses with the susceptible Sahelian breed to experimental Trypanosoma congolense infection and interactions with helminth infections and different levels of diet

Forty pure West African Dwarf (WAD) goats and 35 of its F1 crosses with the Sahelian breed were used in a multifactorial experimental design to evaluate the effects of an experimental Trypanosoma congolense infection and interactions with natural helminth infections and different levels of diet on health and productivity of these two breeds. Trypanosome infection caused a severe drop in packed cell volume (PCV), but this was not significantly affected by breed. Neither deworming nor diet had any effect on the course of anaemia after trypanosome infection. The mean score of parasitaemia tended to be higher in crossbreeds than in WAD goats although this was not significant (P>0.05). Similarly, the antibody response to trypanosome infection was not significantly different between breeds. Parasitaemia level was significantly influenced by the level of diet with the group under high supplementation having a higher mean parasitaemia score than the group under low supplementation. Weight loss due to trypanosome infection tended to be greater in crossbreeds than in WAD goats (P>0.05).During this study, there was no difference in mean helminth egg output between crossbred and WAD goats. However, between weeks 4 and 10 after trypanosome infection (corresponding to a period of heavy rainfall and highly infective pastures), the mean egg output was higher in the crossbreeds.The immunosuppressive effect of trypanosome infections was revealed by a lower antibody response to Haemonchus contortus in infected animals compared to the uninfected controls. Trypanosome infection tended to increase strongyle egg output. This study did no reveal any superior trypanotolerance of WAD goats compared to crossbreeds.